Fellowship To Friendship

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-27

Fellowship is a Biblical partnership, much more so than just a friendship. The key factor in fellowship is the unity in the body for Christ… It is active participation in a common mission. Friendship is a by-product of fellowship. It is not first sought, but it follows from the fellowship. True, deep friendships are formed out of fellowship.

Levels of friendship

Surface – Acquaintances where communication is about the externals, such as the weather.

Personal – Friendships where you’ve moved to more issues about your life, your burdens, your family.

Intimate – Deep friendship moving to your heart issues, your feelings, your fears, your failures, your aspirations. This level is not attained quickly and takes many years to develop and only if both parties share the journey to get here.

What does it take to get people to open up? What does it take to get to a deep level of friendship? Actually, most people will go through life without ever experiencing friendship level 3.

Confidentiality – Total trust from both people to not share with other people the issues that are discussed between them.

Mutuality – They are both willing to share. The relationship cannot be one sided.

Praying Together – Nothing bonds people like the treasure of praying together.

Father, I pray for those reading this blog that they are drawn into deep friendships in their lives, starting with fellowship and partnership with You and Your agenda. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.